plate no. 6588

The River in Autumn

Gustave Loiseau, 1912

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscaperivertreesautumnlandscapeskyclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, riverbanks, and major tree masses.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and hints of pink and green, using loose, broken brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the trees, using yellows, oranges, greens, and browns, varying the tones to suggest depth.
step 04
Paint the river with horizontal strokes of blue, green, and hints of pink and yellow to reflect the sky and trees.
step 05
Add details to the trees, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture and suggest foliage.
step 06
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to color and value relationships.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of color and tone.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · cadmium yellow · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · burnt umber · sap green

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric effects.

techniques